temperamental

adjective

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
Definition of temperamentalnext
1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of temperamental Ideas need crisp notes as the temperamental Moon in your 9th House opposes imaginative Neptune in your 3rd House, bringing visions and messages together. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Ambition meets heart as the temperamental Moon in your 10th House of Career conjoins warrior Mars there, sharpening visibility and focus. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026 The temperamental Moon in your 2nd House of Resources conjoins growth-seeking Chiron there, turning attention to self-worth through the purchases that truly support your well-being. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 The weather in Florida during England’s stay thus far has been temperamental. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
  1. moody
  2. volatile
  3. impulsive
  4. unpredictable
  5. unstable
Adjective
  • The castellated tower, slate rooflines, brickwork and leaded-glass windows gave the estate the moody, old-money gravitas that Batman’s producers needed for the Wayne family seat.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • If your bathroom feels busy or dated thanks to clashing finishes, consider painting everything in one rich, moody hue like charcoal, navy, or slate.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • Gen Z has experienced inflation, volatile markets and economic uncertainty before many even began their careers.
    — Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Advertisement Even after the war ends, experts expect military spending to rise, driven by an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
    — Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • In both cases, the act was an impulsive, existential response with no single cause.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • The series follows Ada, an impulsive police officer and former urban-acrobatics expert who investigates a gang of stunt performers specializing in stealing luxury cargo from trucks travelling at high speed.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, so impact windows add peace of mind to the perks of improved efficiency and climate control.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Asian powers are increasingly taking steps to gird against an unpredictable former ally in the US and an ambitious regional rival in China.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.
    — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • Rhaenyra, queen of the Blacks, seizes the Iron Throne in King’s Landing with the support of Alicent, who has simply had enough of her unstable and terrible sons.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
Definition of unstable

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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of temperamental for Spanish Speakers

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